Listen to Your Body: Why Ignoring Your Needs Creates Disconnection
Have you ever pushed through exhaustion, ignored discomfort, or dismissed your own needs in order to "just get through the day"? You're not alone. Many of us have been taught to override our body’s cues in the name of productivity, resilience, or pushing through.
At first, it might seem harmless, skipping breaks, brushing off headaches, telling yourself “I’m fine.” But over time, these small disconnections add up. The body keeps score. It might show up as chronic pain, fatigue, anxiety, digestive issues, or the persistent feeling of being emotionally stuck.
When we ignore our bodies long enough, the signals get louder. Headaches become migraines. Tension becomes pain. What once felt tolerable becomes impossible to ignore. We realize our body isn’t trying to stop us, it’s trying to protect us.
When the Body Speaks Through Pain
I once worked with a client who had spent years powering through back pain. They told themselves it was “just stress,” that they didn’t have time to slow down. But their pain wasn’t just physical, it was a message. A call for care, for safety, for presence.
Through nervous system work, they began really listening for the first time. They started to recognize when their body needed rest, movement, or emotional release. As they built that internal trust, the pain began to shift. The tension softened. Their body finally felt safe enough to let go.
How to Begin Reconnecting with Your Body
Rebuilding that relationship doesn’t have to be dramatic. It can start with a few small shifts:
🔹 Pause & Check In: Set a gentle reminder once a day to stop and ask, "What sensations do I notice? What do I need right now?"
🔹 Honor the Little Signals: When your body asks for water, rest, or a stretch, give it. Each small act of honoring your needs reinforces trust.
🔹 Practice Self-Compassion: If checking in with your body feels difficult or unfamiliar, that’s okay. Just noticing the resistance is a step toward connection.
Your Body Is Not the Problem
Your body isn’t trying to slow you down. It’s trying to bring you back home. When we begin to listen, we not only feel more regulated, we feel safer, more present, and more connected to ourselves. This is the heart of somatic healing.
It’s not about "fixing" the body. It’s about creating a relationship where your body no longer has to shout to get your attention.
About the Author
Shai Maxine is a trained somatic practitioner specializing in helping people navigate stress, chronic pain, and emotional overwhelm. With years of experience guiding clients toward greater ease and connection, Shai offers practical tools rooted in somatic awareness and mindfulness. When not working, Shai enjoys hiking, cooking, creating art, and petting as many dogs as she can. Follow along on instagram @shai.maxine
